Health fair UCF men’s focused basketball on Muslim continues Americans, to shine,

Page 3 Volume 14, Issue 15 www.ValenciaVoice.com Dec. 14, 2011 Page 27 Valencia is top pick, honored with $600,000 grant High hopes for future after receiving prize, first ever Aspen Award for Community College

By James Tutten speaking to the crowd at the ceremony af- [email protected] ter receiving the award. “Where excellence is not defined by exclusivity or expensive- Valencia College was acknowledged as ness, and where opportunity is genuine.” one of the top educational institutions in Millions of students have shared in the nation after wining the inaugural As- this unique opportunity since the found- pen Award for Community College Excel- ing of Valencia in Orlando, Florida in lence. Along with the award comes a grant 1967. Valencia ranked number one last of $600,000 that Valencia can spend to ex- year for awarding the most Associate Political pand on it’s future goals in education. degrees in the nation’s for two-year in- Valencia was given this honor because stitutions. There is a current annual en- of striving to improve what really matters rollment of over 70,000 students and an Section in a community college. Valencia’s degree operating annual budget well over $160 awards rates are one of the best nation- million dollars. GOP runs the gauntlet on ally for a community college. Graduates Global educational trends show that get employed at a higher rate then any the U.S has falling to twelfth place for the road to the White House other Aspen finalist and the school boasts young adults with Associate degrees, and the highest number of four year college nationally there is an increase of students Valencia President Sandy Shugart accepting the Aspen Award for Community College Excellence. Candidate profiles: Who is transfer students in the nation. dropping out of high school or feel unpre- in and out? “If it can be done at a community col- pared to attend college after graduation. programs like the one offered at Valen- only 40 percent of adult American work- lege setting, they’re doing at Valencia, Despite this Valencia projects to expand- cia are encouraged and supported by ers have those degrees. If Americans Opinions of Pro- Obama, and they’re doing it very very well,” said ed on it’s number of graduates through many in government. don’t step up to fill theses jobs they will former Michigan governor John Engler. its commitment to equitable outcomes “It’s incumbent on us to keep to keep migrate overseas and continue the gener- Anti-Obama Engler and former South Carolina sena- and success plans for lower income and our country strong. We are really fight- al economic downturn in the near future. tor Richard Riley presented the award to minority students. ing for our country here,” said secretary The Aspen Institute hope sto continue Ronald Reagan compared Valencia’s president Sandy Shugart dur- Community colleges furthering the of education, Arne Duncan, at the award awarding future institutions by furthering to current Republicans ing the Monday-morning ceremony at skills of American workers is a strong ceremony. “Keep those jobs here, and the this into a yearly prize. Founded in 1950 Washington, DC. focal point for fixing the economic woes only way we can do that is through great this organization’s goals are “fostering en- Jeff hates: GOP candidates “We have this unique instrument at of the recent economic recession. With community colleges.” lightened leadership, the appreciation of hand unlike any other institution any- so many people today out of work or Currently around 60 percent of avail- timeless ideas and values, and open-mind- Pages 7-20 where else in the world,” said Shugart, underemployed, continued educational able jobs require advanced degrees, while ed dialogue on contemporary issues.” www.ValenciaVoice.com NEWS Dec. 14, 2011 2 Dealing with dialysis Student reporter among millions fighting kidney disease

By Hadassah Lansiquot The main reasons that younger people de- [email protected] velop kidney failure and possibly end up on dialysis are drug abuse, alcoholism, and lupus, Every night I prepare for my dialysis treatment according to Chin-Smith, but hypertension and on my CCPD (continuous cycler peritoneal dialy- diabetes also play a huge role in more people sis) machine. To perform the procedure you must developing the disease. have the right accessories including drain bags, “Society is getting more stressful”, she said, mini caps, and cassettes (not the musical kind.) “and America is getting fatter.” There are several steps involved, which in- Her biggest challenge is “having the patient clude connecting the right lines to the right bags. comply with their treatments”. She emphasizes The final step occurs when I connect myself--- the importance of patients faithfully doing their through a catheter’s tube---to the machine, and treatments, taking their medications, and stick- begin the 10-hour cleansing process. ing to their diets. There are an estimated 26 million Americans When I was first diagnosed with kidney fail- who have chronic kidney disease, according to ure, it was difficult for me to follow a renal diet. As Jeffrey Cooke, 45, gets dialysis treatment at Davita in Philadelphia. Cooke is the third generation in his family to have renal failure. the National Kidney Foundation. Many kidney with everything else, though, it’s all about mod- patients develop ESRD (end stage renal disease) eration for the things I’m not supposed to eat. which can result in having to go on dialysis. There are steps you can take to prevent kid- According to the annual United States Renal ney disease: eat nutritious meals, drink plenty of African Americans more likely to Data System, the number of people developing fluids, exercise, don’t smoke, maintain a healthy ESRD has increased 9.6 percent for people be- weight, and get checked regularly for diabetes tween the ages of 1-19, and 9.8 percent for those and blood pressure. have kidney disease, new study says ages 20-44. This shows that kidney failure can My kidney failure was diagnosed because I happen at any age, not just to older people. had swollen feet. Now after seven years going By Vabren L. Watts ney disease, according to the study calling this one of the most important Marie Chin-Smith, a nurse at Davita Orlando back and forth between hemodialysis and peri- The Philadelphia Inquirer released last month in the online is- examples of genetic variation since Home Training, a peritoneal dialysis clinic, has toneal dialysis, I feel I have better control of my sue of Science Magazine. the discovery of the sickle cell trait, worked with Davita for 18 years and has seen kidney disease. African Americans are four times “This is clearly a landmark pa- which protected against malaria. changes in the age of her patients over the years. Hemodialysis involves going to a center three as likely to have kidney disease as per,” says nephrologist Lawrence The Harvard researchers used She says they “used to be older patients only”, times a week, while peritoneal dialysis is done in Caucasians, and a recent study from Holzman, chief of the Renal-Elec- DNA samples from the 1000 Ge- but are now getting younger and younger. The your home at your convenience, typically while Harvard University may explain why. trolyte and Hypertension division at nomes Project’s database of indi- youngest patient she’s had was 17. you sleep. Nephrologist Martin Pollak and the University of Pennsylvania. He viduals of African, European, and After developing kidney disease, generally, Davita has 1,777 clinics nationwide with his team found that a common ge- estimates that African Americans Asian descents. They discovered Chin-Smith said, “older patients have a harder 138,000 patients. It is one of the largest compa- netic mutation of the APOL1 gene make up 70 percent of his patients. that 30 percent of African American time accepting it” and sometimes “they go into nies offering dialysis services in the world, sec- might be partly responsible for Afri- “It’s amazing how natural selection chromosomes contained a mutated depression”, while younger patients “have a ond only to Fresenius. In the future, Chin-Smith can Americans’ susceptibility. plays such an important role in a APOL1 gene, and observed that in- will to live more” and “accept it better”. She hopes for Davita “to be the biggest, best dialysis The mutation likely arose due to common disorder,” Holzman said. dividuals with kidney failure were says for the young, “there’s more to life” and unit in the world”. natural selection because it protects “This will start a gigantic avalanche three times as likely to have both she encourages them to pursue their goals and Davita lists several ways to help on its against African sleeping sickness, for kidney research.” copies of the variant. Alterations in “change direction in life” which can range from website. For more information log on to www. Pollak wrote. It also makes African Penn evolutionary geneticist Sar- other ethnic groups were not found. a job change to going back to school. kidney.org/ and www.davita.com . Americans more vulnerable to kid- ah Tishkoff also praised the work, — MCT Campus www.ValenciaVoice.com NEWS Dec. 14, 2011 3

Florida Hospital and Metro Pharma- cy provided several health tests. Metro Pharmacy provided blood pressure and ‘Tis the season to give ACCU-Check which targets the blood glu- cose. Florida Hospital also provided free mammograms for women. Local charities need time, money, you “We are committed to making sure women get mammograms, and to take Information compiled by: Mindy Ortiz- volunteer services man- care of themselves in general,” said Hadassah Lansiquot ager (407) 295-8844 Monica Lowry, community outreach [email protected] www.foodbankcentralflorida.org/ coordinator for Florida Hospital. Jeremy Williams This season the Second Harvest Food Zumba classes were provided by Na- [email protected] Bank are asking for donations to the Hol- doona Zumba. Arig Wageeh who also iday Gift Alternative Program. For a gift works for Heart of Florida United Way, Coalition for the Homeless of $5 (or more) per card, SHFB will share and Dr. Rachel Newcomb a professor at (407) 426-1250 your holiday greetings with friends and Rollins, taught the class. http://centralfloridahomeless.org family, letting them know of your gener- “Middle-eastern women are more The Coalition for the Homeless are hav- ous donation. With each card purchased, prone to gaining weight, and diseases ing a Match Gift Campaign. They re- 20 meals will be provided to needy fami- that are resulted from it,” Wageech said. ceived $30,000 from the First Baptist lies in the area. “I wanted to come and emphasize how Church of Orlando and are asking the important incorporating exercise into community to match that amount with Shoebox for Haiti (through Dec. 15) your daily life.” donations. This season they are collect- www.shoeboxdrive.com/ There were festival rides for children ing donations to match the funds to pur- Due to the devastating earthquake that to keep them entertained, along with chase gifts for needy children. occurred in Haiti many children will be food from restaurants such as Elegante without basic necessities, as well as gifts and Anatolia. Free dental exams were provided by Dr. Ameer Zufari at the Arab American Community Center. Orlando Union Rescue Mission for Christmas this holiday season. Shoe- “I think it’s imperative to be con- (407) 422-4855 box for Haiti will be collecting items nected with the community, but also www.ourm.org/ such as school supplies, hygiene items, provide services as well,” public rela- The Orlando Union rescue mission will and clothing, along with small toys and tions and media director of the AACC, be providing a home-like atmosphere Christmas cards to be gathered into in- Focusing on Arab health Rasha Mubarak said. for homeless families during this holi- dividual shoe-boxes and distributed out day season. They provide private and to the children. Packing parties are be- Local physicians, hospitals provide free care, semi-private rooms and bathrooms for ing arranged now to have the shoe-box- families that have no where to go. es put together and sent out in time for mammograms, screenings at community center Christmas day. Salvation Army By Neda Hamdan “The core value of the AACC is to (407) 423-8581 Toys for Tots (through Dec. 19) [email protected] provide opportunities for uninsured pa- www.uss.salvationarmy.org/uss/www_ (407) 240-5939 ext: 1708 tients in our community,” said President uss_orlando.nsf www.toysfortots.org/ There are currently 50 million Ameri- of the AACC, Neal Abid. Just as with every year before, the Sal- Since 1947 the USMC has been gather- cans without health insurance. The Arab There were also free consultations and vation Army will be out in the public ing toys for underprivileged children American Community Center, a non-prof- workshops from lawyers about issues re- with their red buckets and bells collect- and distributing out in the areas in which it organization, hosted the Health, Immi- garding immigration. Well-known law ing money for the homeless this holiday they are collected. This year is no differ- grant, and Kids Fair at the Central Flori- firm, Nejame Law, is a long time partner season. Ring for Change buckets can be ent. Collection bins have been distrib- da Fairgrounds. The event consisted of and sponsor of the AACC. found outside most local businesses. uted throughout the area, collecting toys various health tests, immigration advice, Shazad Ahmed, along with many oth- for the kids since November. Marines Classes were hosted by Nadoona Zumba, with Second Harvest Food Bank will be playing Santa as they deliver the along with food, games and rides for kids. er lawyers were offering advice pro-bono. local doctors Arig Wageeh and Rachel Newcomb. (407) 295-1066 toys to needy families. www.ValenciaVoice.com NEWS Dec. 14, 2011 4

Arizona shooting.

Looking back: 2011 U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords from Arizona was shot in the head during a public Notable news events of the past year meeting on Jan. 8. Nine- By James Tutten / [email protected] teen people were shot and six died from the actions of shooting suspect Jared Loughner. Giffords has since made a remarkable recovery including a return to Con- gress for an important debt celling vote on Aug. 1.

Japanese earthquake and Fukushima nuclear disaster. A deadly Tsunami destroyed much of the north- east Japanese coast after a 9.0 magnitude earth- quake. The Fukushima nuclear power plant suf- fered a great deal of damage and started going through a devastating meltdown. The crises were eventually averted and controlled. Estimates of the damages range in the tens of billions.

Bin Laden killed.

Osama bin laden was killed by member of the Navy’s SEAL Team Six. He was hid- ing out at a fortified man- sion in Abbottabad, Paki- stan after being targeted by America for his role in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 and further attacks around the world. Arab Spring. Seen as the largest political uprising in the modern Middle East, the “Arab Bin Laden’s body was Spring” officially started when a young man in Tunisia set himself on fire to protest govern- dumped at sea to avoid his ment actions. This uprising spread to several countries around the Middle East including followers enshrining him. Syria, Bahrain, Jordan, Yemen, Libya, Egypt, and more. Use of Twitter and Facebook to plan and communicate led these protests to be classified by many as a social media movement. Continued on Page 5 www.ValenciaVoice.com NEWS Dec. 14, 2011 5 Occupy Wall Street. 2011: Year in review National protests over social and Continued from Page 4 economic inequality started in Zuccotti Park, in the financial dis- trict of New York City. Protesters are also upset about the financial gains by big business, in the midst of a severe economic recession. Casey Anthony Trial.

The nation was shocked by the not-guilty verdict for Casey Antho- ny after a whirlwind trial in Orlan- do, Florida. Anthony was charged with first-degree murder of her 2 year-old daughter, Caylee. Mem- bers of the jury have said since they second-guessed the verdict and feel Anthony is responsible.

Gadhafi killed. Moammar Gadhafi was shot Final shuttle launch. NASA launched it’s final shuttle after 30 years of and killed in Libya after being forced out of office shooting for the stars and raising the bar in science and exploration. New rocket by rebels, ending the former dictator’s reign. He design and a focus on private industry is the new direction for the government had connections to several terrorist attacks, and program. Jobs have been cut on the space coast with concerns about the future was also wanted for crimes against humanity for stability of the space program at the Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Fla. ordering the killings of thousands of Libyans. www.ValenciaVoice.com NEWS Dec. 14, 2011 6 Seasoned newsman shares stories Valencia, Rick Scott Patrick May of San Jose Mecury news visits journalism students bring business to state

By Fred Lambert ing stories like Hurricane Andrew, the Gulf War, and the “cocaine [email protected] cowboy days” of violent Cuban immigrant crime. Gun manufacturers move to Kissimmee May was hooked. He returned closer to home in San Jose, but Gov. Rick Scott and officials from trained, best educated workforce pos- Patrick May has seen a lot. Before he became a staff writer for is still plugged into major events and oddities throughout the Osceola County announced this week sible. We welcome Colt’s Manufactur- the San Jose Mercury News in Silicon Valley south of San Fran- American news scene. that Colt’s Manufacturing Co. LLC ing Company to Osceola County and cisco, he was a train-hopping, hitchhiking college drop-out. Covering 9/11, he claimed that the smell of death hung in will build a new regional headquarters commit to partnering with them and Drifting through Boston, Alaska and Oregon, and eventually New York for weeks. While 9/11 was bad, his worst experience and production facility in Kissimmee. serving their employees and families all over the world, working odd jobs like guitar-playing and cab- was reporting on famine-ravaged Kurds in Northern Iraq after Valencia College was instrumental for many years to come.” driving, May would ultimately find himself covering gritty crime the Gulf War. in helping Osceola County officials Colt is making a $2.5 million capi- beats and international news. “It was like a scene in a weird movie,” he put together the deal. Osceola County tal investment in the vacant building, “Basically I get paid to write, which I said. “All these fathers were bringing their will spend about $550,000 to renovate which the company will lease. Gov. love,” he said. dead kids – who’d died the night before – the old Council on Aging building that Scott and his economic development It started when the Oakland native “It was like a scene in a weird to put them in this big grave. I was just sur- will house the new Colt plant, while team at Enterprise Florida Inc. and the headed to Europe with $8,000 of saved movie. All these fathers were rounded by death, and I’d never been in a Valencia offered $100,000 for worker Osceola County Economic Develop- taxi fares from working in Seattle. situation like that before.” bringing their dead kids to put training. In addition, the Governor’s ment Department worked with Colt to “The one thing I really wanted to do His favorite was a human interest story them in this big grave. I was just Quick Action Closing Fund contrib- bring the project to fruition. was see the world,” May said. “I didn’t about a recently deceased homeless man in uted $250,000 in incentives. “Colt looked at many possible sites want to go back to another university, surrounded by death.” Miami, which May spent five weeks put- The new facility will create 63 jobs across the nation, but we ultimately but I wanted to have my university in — Patrick May ting together. “I pieced together his whole in Osceola County, most in engineer- decided to locate our new facility in my mind.” life, and the top editor read it and killed it. ing and manufacturing. The jobs will the state of Florida,” said Keys, Colt’s After meeting an Iranian on the He said it glorified alcoholism.” pay an average salary of $45,060. president. “Florida offered a strong plane over and agreeing to help deliver a new car to Am- May also writes business news. He compares covering Apple At the announcement, Gov. Rick pro-business incentive package. Cou- sterdam, May commenced a seven-year cyclone of travelling to dealing with CIA secrecy. “They don’t tell you anything,” he Scott and Colt’s Manufacturing Com- pled with the low cost of doing busi- through Europe, Turkey, North Africa and pre-revolution Iran. said. “They are masters at manipulating the media and masters at pany president and chief executive of- ness in Florida and a favorable regu- He eventually met an Australian journalist at a youth hostel in getting people all hyped up for the next product launch.” ficer, M. William Keys, were joined by latory environment, opening this new Greece. After covering crime, war and I-Phones, May, 60 years old, is the Osceola County Board of County facility was very attractive to us.” “He was on assignment, and he was being paid to write still in the business. Now he deals with a changing industry. Commissioners and a team of Valencia “Governor Scott’s personal com- and travel,” May said. “I always liked writing stuff – journals, “About ten years ago the newspaper industry started to representatives, including President mitment to both Colt’s growth plan letters back home – and I loved travel, so I asked, ‘How do I really get into trouble and shrink,” he said, explaining how Sanford Shugart, Gaby Hawat, the col- and America’s right to bear arms was become a journalist?’” Craigslist’s free advertising killed the traditional classified ad lege’s senior executive for strategic instrumental in our decision.” Following the Aussie’s advice, May finished his “around- revenue of local papers. initiatives and economic development, “Attracting an American icon like the-world” trip, returning to obtain a degree at San Francisco “We started having layoffs. We’re getting really lean; every- Osceola Campus President Kathleen Colt, which is one of the world’s top State University. body’s working a lot harder.” he said. “You’re now expected to Plinske and Joe Battista, chief operat- brands, is a real coup for our econom- “By then I was 30, so it was harder to get a job. There was a lot write at least a story a day, sometimes more, as opposed to the old ing officer of Valencia Enterprises. ic development efforts,” said John of competition,” May recalled. “I applied to about 250 newspa- days when you could spend a week working on one story. Those “Colt’s expansion to Osceola Coun- Quiñones, chairman of the Osceola pers all over the United States. I got one response.” days are gone. Everything is going online.” ty is a perfect fit for the region,” said County Commission. This started May’s time as a police reporter in Jacksonville, In any case, May’s portfolio speaks on its own. He’s never Shugart, who said Valencia College “Beyond creating new, high-wage Fla. His work at the Florida Times Union is something May de- shrunk from the tough news. On seeing violence and death, he will design a specialized training pro- jobs, Colt is going to be a great asset to scribes as a “crazy adventure, covering plane crashes, homicides, claims that there’s a sense of getting used to it. gram for the company. “Valencia Col- our community.” and a lot of mayhem and death.” “I know it sounds kind of macabre,” he said, “but those lege stands ready to deliver the best — Valencia News Next was the Miami Herald, a 15-year job that had May cover- make the best stories.” www.ValenciaVoice.com POLITICAL Dec. 14, 2011 7 Official 2012 Presidential Candidates

Stewart Alexander Michelle Bachmann Roger Gary Newt Gingrich

Socialist Party USA Republican/Tea Party Libertarian Party Republican Party

Political Activist U.S. Representative from Former Chair of the Former Speaker of Minnesota Libertarian Party of Texas the House

‘Uniting Progressives’ ‘Restoring Constitutional ‘Rock Solid Experience, ‘Newt2012’ Conservative Values’ Dedication, Leardership’

www.stewartalexandercares.com www.michelebachmann.com www.rvgary2012.com www.newt.org

RJ Harris Jon Huntsman Gary Johnson Fred Karger

Libertarian Party Republican Party Republican Party Republican Party

Philosopher/ Law Student Former Governor of Utah Former Governor of Political Consultant and and Ambassador to China New Mexico Gay Rights Activist

‘Wake Up America’ ‘Be Part of The Solution’ ‘The People’s President for ‘Fred Who?’ 2012’

www.rjharris2012.com www.jon2012.com www.garyjohnson2012.com www.fredkarger.com

Andy Martin Jimmy McMillan Tom Miller Barack Obama

Republican Party Republican Party Republican Party Democratic Party

Self-professed People’s Former mayoral, guberna- Career Flight Attendant President of the United Attorney General torial and senatorial candi- States date ‘The Right Republican for ‘Miller for President’ ‘Obama for America’ President of the United States’ ‘Rent is too damn high’

www.andymartinforpresident.com www.mcmillan2012.com www.MillerforPresident.com www.barackobama.com www.ValenciaVoice.com POLITICAL Dec. 14, 2011 8 Official 2012 Presidential Candidates Ron Paul Rick Perry Carl Person Buddy Roemer

Republican Party Republican Party Libertarian Party Republican Party

U.S. Representative from Current Governor of Texas New York Attorney Former Governor of Texas Louisiana

‘Restore America Now’ ‘Get America Working ‘Carl Person for President’ ‘America Needs Buddy for Again’ President 2012’

www.ronpaul2012.com www.rickperry.org www.carlperson.org www.buddyroemer.com

Mitt Romney Rick Santorum Matt Snyder Randall Terry

Republican Party Republican Party Republican Party Democratic Party

Former Governor of Former U.S. Senator Supporter of People, Pro - life Activist Massachusetts from Pennsylvania not Parties

‘Believe in America’ ‘The Courage To Fight For ‘Constitution First’ ‘Life, Liberty and Justice America’ Under God’

www.mittromney.com www.ricksantorum.com www.mattsnyderforpresident.com www.terryforpresident.com

Dan Woodring R. Lee Wrights Vern Wuensche Officially Withdrawn

Independent Libertarian Party Republican Party Hermain Cain 12/3/2011 Vietnam Veteran Libertarian Activist Businessman

‘A Breath of Fresh Air’ ‘Stop All War’ ‘Vote for Vern’ Thad McCotter 9/22/2011

www.woodring2012.com www.wrights2012.com www.voteforvern.com Tim Pawlenty 8/13/2011 www.ValenciaVoice.com POLITICALNEWS Dec. 14, 2011 9 Former Massachusetts governor portrayed as capable leader Mitt Romney labeled as a ‘flip-flopper’ by competing Republicans

By Kenny Figueroa and Daniel Londono a “flip-flopper” by competing Repub- missionary in France in his early [email protected] lican and Femocratic candidates for years. He attended a year at Stanford [email protected] his ambiguous views on health-care, while the campus was being radical- abortion, and gun control. ized in the midst of the 1960s social Mitt Romney, former governor of Currently a front runner in the race, and political movements, and at- Massachusetts and son of former Mich- he is socially conservative but viewed tended sit –in counter-protests for the igan governor George W. Romney, is as a more left-leaning candidate among draft there. He earned his Bachelor’s attempting to secure the Republican than his Republican opponents. Degree from Brigham Young Univer- for the second time in the 2012 presi- Raised in Bloomfield Hills, Michi- sity and earned his Master in Busi- dential election. He has been labeled gan, Romney served as a Mormon ness Administration and Jurist Doc- tor Degree from Harvard University. He entered the management con- sulting business and became CEO of Bain & Company, a global manage- ment consulting firm. He is credited with bringing the firm out of crisis. His business and political back- ground have made him a viable candi- date for the GOP. Romney helped turn around the Winter Olympics in 2002, Mitt Romney attends the Republican presidential debate at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. turning it into a financial success dur- ing a turbulent post-9/11 period. radical Islamists do not assume power gressmen as governor in supporting Romney opposes the use of medical with this transition. Romney has been a government-mandated health-care marijuana, is a staunch pro-life advocate under fire for his Mormon faith started measure, which was similar to Barrack and has opposed gay marriage. He is by Rick Perry-supporter and Baptist Obama’s health-care plan. supportive of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell poli- pastor, Robert Jeffress, who referred to He has criticized opponent Rick Per- cy which requires service men and wom- Mormonism as ‘a cult’. This controversy ry on immigration reform for giving il- en to hide their homosexual identity. has gained significant overage in press legal immigrants in-state tuition rates. Wishing to maintain a powerful mili- media and distanced Romney from Romney himself has been criticized for tary in the face of Islamic extremists, he other candidates who belonged to more state-funded medical aid available to originally supported the invasion of Iraq popular Christian faiths. illegal immigrants through the Health along with the 2007 troop surge. He has Being labeled as a “flip-flopper”, he Safety Net program in Massachusetts. been critical of the complete withdrawal has been conveyed as someone who With the country in economic cri- announced by President Barack Obama switches his views for political influ- sis, Romney portrays himself as ca- calling it an ‘astonishing failure.’ Rom- ence. This has been pointed out in his pable to lead the United States with ney wants to support U.S countries. With pro-choice stance when running for his entrepreneurial experience as a the revolutions occurring in the Arab Ted Kennedy’s senate seat. He also pre- successful business executive and as a Mitt Romney speaks during a town hall meeting to discuss jobs and the economy on Dec. 9. spring, Mitt Romney wants to insure viously worked with democratic con- moderate politician. www.ValenciaVoice.com POLITICALNEWS Dec. 14, 2011 10 Ron Paul returns for round 3 of presidential race Texas congressman hopes to ride Tea Party wave to White House

By Maria Gutierrez cial Services Committee where he is care plan, instead allowing the purchase [email protected] the chairman of the Subcommittee on of health insurance across state lines, as Domestic Monetary Policy and Tech- well as providing tax credits and deduc- Congressman Ron Paul is a Republi- nology. Paul is an advocate for limited tions for all medical expenses. can candidate running for president with constitutional government, low taxes, He wants to exempt those with termi- a plan to “Restore America.” free markets, and a return to the gold nal illnesses from the employee portion Paul graduated from Gettysburg Col- standard for currency. of payroll taxes while they are suffering lege and the Duke University School of Paul says he will cut $1 trillion in from such illnesses or are incurring sig- Medicine, before serving as a flight sur- spending during his first term as presi- nificant medical costs associated with geon in the U.S. Air Force during the 1960s. dent. He plans on eliminating five cabinet their conditions and give a payroll de- He moved to Texas in 1968 and began his departments; Energy, HUD, Commerce, duction to any worker who is the prima- medical practice in Brazoria County as a Interior, and Education. He also plans ry caregiver for a spouse, parent, or child specialist in obstetrics/gynecology. on abolishing the Transportation Secu- with a terminal illness. Paul served in Congress during the rity Administration, abolishing corporate Paul’s plan will make all Americans late 1970s until 1984 when he returned subsidies, stopping foreign aid, ending eligible for Health Savings Accounts to his medical practice. He returned to foreign wars, and returning most other (HSAs) and remove government-im- Congress in 1997 to represent the Four- spending to 2006 levels. posed barriers to obtaining HSAs. Last teenth Congressional district of Texas. His plans include blocking grants, but not least, he plans on prohibiting the He currently serves on the House Medicaid and making a 10 percent reduc- use of taxpayer funds for a national da- Financial Services Committee, the For- tion in the federal workforce which he tabase of personal health information. eign Affairs Committee and the Finan- refers to as “government waste.” He also His stances on energy are sweeping. plans to lower the corporate tax rate to He supports the removal of restrictions 15 percent, extend all of George Bush tax on drilling, and the repeal of federal tax cuts, abolish the Death Tax, and end taxes on gasoline. Paul plans to lift government on personal savings. Also, as Command- roadblocks to the use of coal and nuclear er-in-Chief he plans on avoiding wars power, and make tax credits available for and abolishing the Patriot Act. the purchase and production of alterna- As an OB/GYN, Ron Paul is against tive fuel technologies. abortion. “I have a Bill in congress I cer- Paul not only believes that no amnes- tainly would promote and push as presi- ty and no birthright citizenship should dent, called the Sanctity of Life Amend- be given to illegal immigrants, but also ment,” Paul has said. “We establish the wants to enforce border security along principle that life begins at conception. with abolishing the welfare state. And someone says, ‘Oh why are you say- Lastly, when elected to become presi- ing that?’ and I say, ‘well, that’s not a po- dent he plans on cutting government litical statement -- that’s a scientific state- waste by receiving a salary of $39,336, Ron Paul supporters at the Conservative ment that I’m making.” approximately equal to the median per- Ron Paul has run for president twice before, once in 1988 as a Libertarian and Political Action Conference in Orlando, Florida. Paul intends to repeal Obama’s health sonal income of the American worker. again in 2008 as a Republican. Paul received just over 1,000 write-in votes in 2008. www.ValenciaVoice.com POLITICALNEWS Dec. 14, 2011 11 Perry’s support on downward spiral Former governor of Texas critized for poor performaces during debates

By Victoria Hoa Perry has a plan that focuses in on Cain believe that fences should be in- [email protected] domestic energy production. It entails stalled to separate the country from Mex- that Americans make and purchase ico. Perry does not see that as a solution. Who would have thought another within the country, which he hopes He believes that there should be a “boots Texas governor would come out of his will help the economy financially. In on the ground,” meaning soldiers at the saddle and run for office? addition to his plan for jobs, Perry has border who can respond immediately. Texas governor Rick Perry threw his a proposal to fix the tax code by offer- Perry’s position on immigration has hat into the ring for the Republican pres- ing citizens the option of a flat tax. been the talk of the nation. He opposes idential nomination on Aug. 13 of this This plan is the “Cut, Balance, and legislation that grants illegal immigrants year. In a crowded campaign with eight Grow” concept that will offer citizens with driver’s licenses, yet he is for the other Republican candidates, Perry is the option of a 20 percent flat tax on their Dream Act, which gives undocumented set apart by his position as chairman of income. Perry hopes to achieve this by children of illegal immigrants the ability the Republican Governors Association. “giving a $12,500 deduction for every to pay in-state tuition. He views it is im- Perry has been criticized for his member of a household while preserv- portant to help these children because public image, poor performance in ing exemptions for state and local taxes, their parents pay into U.S. tax. Allowing debates, and his position on immigra- mortgage interest and charitable con- undocumented children to pay in-state tion. People have also questioned the tributions for anyone making less than tuition and opening a free flow will gen- relevancy of his Bachelors degree in $500,000.” Perry insists that, all income erate money to go towards the U.S. tax. Perry saluting the flag at the Republican presidential debate at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. Animal Science from Texas A&M Uni- levels will see tax cuts. Ultimately, these plans aim to decrease versity. Many people are unaware that Perry hopes to put major funds to- the country’s debt. Perry served in the United States Air wards U.S. border protection. Many can- Not many republicans are in favor of Force and earned the rank of captain. didates like Mitt Romney and Herman Perry’s immigration policy. Some fear that his unstable immigration stand is to attract the Latino community and this may cost him votes from his own party. According to the USA Today/Gal- lop survey on Nov. 7, Perry has at- tracted 11 percent of support from the Republicans and the GOP leaning in- dependents, down from 31 percent in September. Perry’s support has been decreasing in the last couple of months. Perry is preparing himself to de- liver stronger debate performances. He is choosing to engage in study sessions rather than mock debates. The fact that many electorates have not decided on a specific candidate to vote for makes Rick Perry peaked in the GOP polls in Aug. and has slowly lost ground throughout the last months. Perry’s path to presidency bright. Rick Perry, center, participates in Veterans Day events in Columbia, South Carolina, Nov. 11. www.ValenciaVoice.com POLITICALNEWS Dec. 14, 2011 12 Huntsman stays dead last in polls Presidential candidate experienced in government, private sector

By Shaileana Rodriguez a two-year Mormon mission in Taiwan 14 percent, and 23 percent. [email protected] where he learned Mandarin Chinese Huntsman’s views on social issues and now speaks it fluently. are varying. He supports the Right to Jon Huntsman is a Republican can- Huntsman has faced a stiff competi- Life Amendment which would over- didate for president with a strong con- tion throughout his campaign with op- turn Roe vs. Wade. He supports civil servative background and extensive posing viewpoints on a lot of issues. unions but not gay marriages. He says experience in both government and the Huntsman’s plan for the economy in- that the No Child Left Behind educa- private sector. cludes cutting marginal taxes for small tion program failed. Huntsman was White House staff businesses, cutting EPA regulations, end- Huntsman breaks from the pack assistant for Reagan, US trade repre- ing capital gains taxes, and cutting cor- on immigration issues. He supports sentative under Bush, US ambassador porate tax rates from 35 to 25 percent. amnesty for illegal aliens and opposes to China, and former governor of Utah. Huntsman also supports a plan cre- efforts to remove benefits. Huntsman Huntsman, who dropped out of his ated by the Fiscal Commission known signed a bill in 2005 that granted driv- senior year of high school to play key- as the Zero Plan. It introduces a rev- ing privileges to illegal aliens. Instead boards in a band called “Wizard,” lat- enue-neutral plan that eliminates all of getting a driver’s license, an illegal er entered the University of Utah as a deductions and credits and has only alien could apply for a driving-privi- non-matriculated student. He went on three, lower tax rates of eight percent, lege card, which the state stamps “not valid for identification” across the top. He is also a supporter of taxpayer sub- sidized in-state tuition for illegal aliens. Huntsman wants to repeal the Obama health care plan and end the $300 billion tax credit for business health insurance which allows small businesses to be able to afford health insurance. He believes states should make decisions on health care, and that no denial of cover- age should happen for any minor illness. On the issue of foreign policy, where Huntsman’s degree and background gives him an advantage, he wants Jon Huntsman waves to the audience as he arrives for a Republican presidential debate. more international trade and a better relationship with India and China. our traditional alliances. When asked As with any country the main “To be good abroad, we must be great about the Middle East, on his campaign goal is to maintain peace and stabil- at home,” he has said. He thinks that we web page Huntsman states that “U.S. ity throughout the world. Huntsman should stop neglecting Latin America, policy toward these nations should wants to create a more modern defense manage our resources, and choose care- support the democratic aspirations where the military would be more pre- fully when to exercise our power. of the Arab Spring while maintaining pared for future wars and adapt to the Huntsman addressed the Conservative Political Action Conference in Orlando, Florida, Sept. 23. He believes that we should maintain continued Middle East stability.” stricter more modern tactics. www.ValenciaVoice.com POLITICALNEWS Dec. 14, 2011 13 Old dog becomes top dog in GOP fight Gingrich uses intellect, experience to surge in polls as new frontrunner

By Anna Yeaman [email protected]

As Newt Gingrich works towards the Republican nomination for the 2012 election, he promises to have a “Contract with America.” Newt comes from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and has an extensive education, including a Bachelors degree from Emory University and a Masters and Doctorate in Modern European History from Tulane University. He L-R: Prof. Adrienne Matthews, Angel Flores, Jihye Shin, Daniel Londono, Maria Gutier- taught History and Environmental Studies for eight years rez, David Arrona, Fredric Remy, Anna Yeaman, Bethany Schuster, Rob Iverson, Victoria at West Georgia College. Hoa, Ozzie Sinkler, James Radcliffe, Hillel Dalmad, Shailina Rodriguez, Kenny Figueroa He, like most of the other candidates, has previous ex- perience in politics, including being elected to Congress in Thank you to Prof. Matthew’s Government and Media 1978 and representing Georgia in Congress for 20 years, four class for contributing to this special political section. years as Speaker of the House. This “Contract with America” comes from the book he co-wrote in 1994 “Winning The Future: A 21st Century Con- tract With America.” His Contract with America has four parts to it: A set of legislative proposals to shift America back to job creation, prosperity, freedom and safety; a “First Day” project of ex- ecutive orders to be signed on inauguration day to imme- diately transform the way the executive branch works; a training program for the transition teams and the appoin- tees who will lead the shift back to Constitutional, limited Newt Gingrich revived his ‘Contract with America’ for his bid for government; and a system of citizen involvement to help us the GOP nomination. He is up 12 points in the latest poll numbers. sustain grassroots support for change and help implement Teams the change through 2021. him the Republican nomination? He has said himself “I’m As for the Legislative proposals, these include repeal- not a natural leader. I’m too intellectual; I’m too abstract; ing Obama’s Universal health care plan, saving Medicare I think too much.” and Social Security, balancing the federal budget, control Gingrich has surged in the polls since Cain’s self-re- of the border by Jan. 1, 2014, job creation by tax cuts, max- moval from the race. The latest numbers from the Iowa imize the speed and impact of medical breakthroughs, re- Republican Caucas have Gingrich at 30.8 percent, with storing the role of the judicial branch, and enforcing the Mitt Romney being his closest competitor at 18.2 per- Tenth Amendment. cent. The Gallup poll has Gingrich at 32.8 percent and Will this “Contract with America” be enough to get Romeny at 20.8 percent. www.ValenciaVoice.com POLITICALNEWS Dec. 14, 2011 14 New, ‘fair’ districts far from perfect Maps may oust incumbents, create controversial minority districts

By Mary Ellen Klas “That means that many of us are not go- Diaz and Ana Rivas Logan would be The Miami Herald ing to live in the seats we had before and forced into District 116. just because you feel like you should it And in Broward, Democrats Joe Gib- If a goal of the proponents of the Fair doesn’t mean that you can.” bons and Evan Jenne would be forced Districts amendments was to make legis- But the House’s well-intentioned de- into District 100. lative seats more competitive and diverse, sign has also created some serious heart- Staff Director Alex Kelly told mem- the House redistricting maps released this burn for incumbent legislators of both bers of the House redistricting commit- week may inch closer to that ideal. parties. According to a Herald/Times tee on Thursday that they drew the maps The House staff created five different analysis, at least 24 incumbents are pitted with no knowledge of the political reper- maps for redistricting the House. against each other in the maps, including cussions, except to consider whether the In each of the maps, based on voter a three-way race in Miami that has three minority districts would effectively per- registration figures, 49 districts are solid- black lawmakers, all freshmen Demo- form to elect a minority candidate. Pre- Changes affect voting ly Republican, 33 are solidly Democratic crats, in a potential face-off. serving the voting strength of minority and at least 21 districts could be consid- “This is like a baseball game and we’re candidates was the primary goal of the ered swing districts. But voter registra- in the middle of the second inning,’’ said redistricting, he said. Stricter requirements could lower turnout tion doesn’t always determine who gets Rep. Mack Bernard, a West Palm Beach Each of the House maps creates two elected and, based on results of the 2008 Democrat. “We’re a long way from the new minority districts: a Hispanic-ma- and 2010 elections, there may be only 15 ninth inning. We’ll get there by the end jority district in the Orange County area By Fredric Remy Proof of citizenship reliably swing seats, according to a Her- of session.” of Kissimmee and another in Palm Beach [email protected] Voters in Alabama, Kansas, and ald/Times analysis. Nevertheless, that’s None of these political numbers were County’s City of Palm Springs. Four of Tennessee now have to prove citi- a big shift from the current House, where included, however, in the data-heavy the maps create a new district intended The 2008 election had voters from all zenship with documents such as 81 Republicans hold a super-majority packets released by the House redistricting to elect a black near Eatonville. classes and races going to the polls in birth certificates. over 39 Democrats. committee. The Herald/Times culled them But the maps also follow the pattern record-breaking numbers. The process Shortening early voting and ab- Rep. Chris Dorworth, R-Lake Mary, from the House’s MyDistrictBuilder.com established in 1992 of creating mean- seemed to be voter friendly, but things sentee dates chairman of the House Subcommittee web site and the voter registration files that dering districts through black neighbor- will all have changed by 2012, making Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Tennessee, on House Reapportionment, dismissed include home addresses of lawmakers. hoods that also pack the districts with the term “Be Prepared” the theme of and West Virginia have shortened dates the calculations as part of lawmakers’ Legislators in St. Petersburg, Bro- Democrats and blacks. Each of the House this election for young people, minori- and actually eliminated early voting. If “duty” to follow the new law. ward and Miami were hardest hit by the maps includes black majority seats with ties, and low-income households. you live in any of these states, it is ad- The Fair District amendments ap- new proposals. Because population in Democrat registration of between 63 per- proved by voters in 2010 prohibit the those regions has been stagnant or de- cent and 77 percent. Some Democrats According to the many sources, vised to check new changes. lawmakers from protecting incumbents clined over the last decade, their political argue that those high numbers are not including the “Brennan Center for Restoring voting rights or parties and require them to draw com- boundaries must expand. needed to elect a minority to office and Justice,” these law changes can affect This new legislative change will af- pact districts when possible. In an at- In Miami Dade, Democrats Daphne point to a handful of existing district, around 5 million people. fect two states; Iowa and Florida, mak- tempt to adhere to the new standards, the Campbell, John Julien and Barbara Wat- such as Rep. Dwayne Taylor’s Daytona Voter ID law change ing it harder for citizens with felonies five maps create more pleasing boundar- son of Miami would all be forced into the Beach seat, that has elected a black with Over 34 states have passed a legisla- on their record to vote. ies than Florida has seen in its legislative new district 107. Reps. Elaine Schwartz just over 50 percent majority Democrat tion requiring voters to provide a valid Many of the major changes will af- maps of the past and create 34 seats with and Perry Thurston, both Democrats, registration. government issued ID. This may effect fect citizens in the state of Florida. For no incumbent. would be merged into District 99. And The House will take its first vote on over 11 percent of American citizens young people such as college students “You take an oath to preserve protect Republicans Eddy Gonzalez and Jose the maps when legislators convene in an who do not have these types of iden- and minorities it is important to “Be Pre- and preserve the Constitution of the state Oliva would be matched against each early special session on Jan. 10. tification (over 21 million Americans.) pared” if you want your vote to count. and we’ve done that,’’ Dorworth said. other in Hialeah District 110, while Jose — MCT Campus www.ValenciaVoice.com POLITICALNEWS OPINION Dec. 14, 2011 15 Actor-charm appeal only goes so far when weighing the truth Republicans should check their fact-sheets when preaching Reagan-style methods

By Fred Lambert Reagan promised to voters that gan endorsed a $1 billion per year tax [email protected] if elected president, he would lower increase (roughly $17 billion in today’s taxes. Today’s fiscal conservatives are terms), or a third of the state’s rev- Many Republican politicians will bound by Grover Norquist’s oath to enues, which encompassed hikes in point to Ronald Reagan when asked not raise taxes at all, and many point to income, sales, cigarette, alcohol, bank, who their hero is. The former-actor- Reagan’s ideas of free-market, supply- corporate and inheritance taxes. turned-politician presided over the side economics. But in truth, Reagan While Reagan was originally a New executive branch from 1981 to 1989, had a shoddy track record when deal- Deal Democrat, he changed his personal serving two terms as president, and ing with tax policies. allegiance in 1962 to the Republican Party is widely applauded for repairing the It started when he was elected as amid massive government size increases. economy and ending the Cold War. governor of California in 1966. After He ran in California based on reducing But there are some that feel he is an inheriting a giant-sized budget deficit taxes, among other things, like eliminat- over-rated figurehead, inaccurately at- from his predecessor Pat Brown, Reagan ing welfare fraud and college radicalism. tributed to some of these outcomes. Ad- found it necessary to raise taxes repeat- Reagan found it hard to balance Cal- ditionally, some results of his policies ap- edly throughout his time in state office. ifornia’s messy budget without a sem- pear contradictory, and raise question as According to Bruce Bartlett of capi- blance of tax hikes. He was largely silent President Ronald Reagan addresses the Republican National Convention in Dallas, Texas, Aug. 23, 1984. to why he is the conservative messiah. talgainsandgames.com, Governor Rea- on these tax increases in his memoirs, according to Bartlett, except to say that First he went with tax reduction in the revenue he let taxpayers save in the he “gave back $5 billion to taxpayers.” the 1981 Kemp-Roth bill, which cut 1981 Kemp-Roth bill. Reagan did fulfill many of his prom- statutory income tax rates by about In his diary, Reagan said that the ises, including halting welfare payment 30 percent. But then he was put under 1982 bill was “the price we have to growth, freezing state-government hir- pressure by his administration to de- pay to get the budget cuts,” basically ing, reducing social spending, and gain- crease the deficit, and cutting spend- suggesting that the 1980s deficit re- ing budget surpluses (which were used ing wasn’t politically possible. quired a mixture of spending cuts to reduce local property taxes), but the He eventually reneged on his cam- and raises in revenue to tame. latter was only possible with the help of paign promise and endorsed the Tax “Although he would cut taxes when the previously mentioned tax hikes. Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act he could,” wrote Bartlett, “he raised He was a leader who was willing to of 1982, which raised taxes by close to them when he had to.” This makes Rea- compromise to achieve what he want- one percent of the GDP (or $150 bil- gan look much more like a centrist than ed. This isn’t something that many lion annually by today’s standards), the godfather of modern conservatism. modern Republicans in Congress ap- according to Bartlett, entailing one of Taxes aren’t the only thing that Rea- pear to uphold as a positive trait. the highest tax increases in US history. gan is misconceived on. His manage- The tax increases spilled over into his This was the first of 11 tax hikes ment of the budget deficit, despite tax presidency. He ran on a policy of lower- in Reagan’s presidency. These hikes increases and a long spurt of economic ing taxes, increasing defense spending, would eventually total a cumulative growth between 1983 and 1990, was and reducing the budget deficit. As pres- $132.7 billion as of 1988, compared with a complete failure in terms of what ident, Reagan repeated his tactics again, tax decreases ranging around $275 bil- he promised. Instead of decreasing President Ronald Reagan and first lady Nancy Reagan wave during Reagan’s first inauguration. mixing tax decreases with increases. lion. In the end, he took back half of spending all around, he did so in select www.ValenciaVoice.com POLITICALNEWS OPINION Dec. 14, 2011 16

16 million new jobs were created (shrink- ing unemployment by three points, down Ronald Reagan Continued from page 15 to 7.5 percent from 10.8 percent), the defi- cit was exploded to gargantuan levels. areas, while ballooning the national lites since the 60s, and the military in- Moll also points out that Reaganomics debt through defense expenditures. dustrial complex which drove them in widened the gap between rich and poor Reagan can take some blame for the the post-World War II years was lack- (since the primary beneficiaries were 1987 Stock Market Crash and Savings ing innovation and growth by the 70s. higher income Americans) and deregula- and Loan crisis, if only because both oc- Gorbachev’s perestroika (“economic tion could allow businesses to drop health curred under his watch and required restructuring”) and glasnost (“intellectu- standards (e.g: reduced emission stan- borrowing that raised the national debt al openness”) policies emboldened some dards in coal power plants), resulting in to $3 trillion from $700 billion, according of the Soviet satellites like Hungary, Po- lost productivity, due to sick workers. to an online article by Marquis Codjia. land and East Germany to rebel against “While it appears deregulation makes Much of Reagan’s military spend- their communist governments, which the economy grow,” Moll wrote, “it could ing is attributed with ending the Cold were largely powerless by that point. actually reduce the overall population’s War. Most people point to his Strategic Reagan saying “Mr. Gorbachev, tear health and standard of living.” Defense Initiative (or Star Wars pro- down this wall” didn’t bring down the In retrospect, Reagan was a decent gram), a fantastic vision of satellite la- Berlin Wall – Germans did. If Reagan president, but whenever he is com- sers in space which were intended to is owed any credit, his policies of out- pared with George Washington and pick nukes out of the sky before they spending the Russians merely exacer- Teddy Roosevelt, it raises questions as reached their targets. It was supposed bated a long-standing issue of econom- to where the standard is at these days. to make nuclear warfare obsolete. ic illness in the USSR. He promised to lower taxes, and The problem is that the technology To say that Reagan ended the Cold raised them on many occasions. He was yet to be developed. Essentially it War is inaccurate – if he wasn’t elected promised a balanced budget, but gave was a fantasy-land concept which crit- it would have happened anyway. America the largest deficit up until that ics hailed as way too expensive and The Iran-Contra affair is something President Ronald Reagan delivers his inaugural address in Washington, D.C., Jan. 20, 1981. point, mostly through military spending. uncertain, and was later cancelled by that many Republicans don’t mention He is said to have ended the Cold later administrations because of the when discussing Reagan’s presidency. Reagan himself denied any knowl- to reanimate the GOP with this form of War single-handedly, but his contri- complexities involved. The adage usually espoused by conserva- edge about the deal, but even if he wasn’t deregulation and tax cuts for the wealthy. butions don’t add up in that equation. Was the massive overhaul to the tives is that after the weak-kneed Jimmy lying and having Oliver North, John According to eHow contributor Eric And he supposedly had nothing to do American debt in pursuing these re- Carter failed to successfully negotiate Poindexter and others in the National Se- Moll, proponents of supply-side eco- with an illegal arms deal with Iran, searches what brought the Soviets down? captive Americans from militants in Iran, curity Council (which was directly under nomics believe that cutting taxes and even though his very close advisors It may have been a factor, since any Rus- Reagan became the president and the Ira- Reagan’s control) fall on their swords for deregulating the economy would result were the puppet-masters. sian response in kind would have been a nians immediately let them go out of fear. his own political survival, this still shows in higher investment and increased con- He did decent, since being the presi- massive monetary burden, what with an According to a passage from Valen- a gross lack of accountability. sumer spending, actually increasing the dent is never easy. And this isn’t to say already sagging economy and a draining cia’s online American History ABC- The Iran-contra incident smacked amount of money brought in by taxes as that being moderate and compromising guerilla conflict in Afghanistan. CLIO database, “In 1987, it was dis- of corruption on a highly irresponsi- a result of the growing economy. is a bad thing – it’s just that Reagan isn’t But the Star Wars program was not covered that, contrary to his pledge ble level, and nearly brought Reagan “The government would take a the infallible ultra-conservative that the the coup de grace any more than CIA never to deal with terrorists, Reagan to impeachment hearings. smaller piece of the pie, but the whole contemporary right fables him to be. efforts to arm the mujahedeen were. had, at the very least, not attempted The legacy of supply-side economics pie would be bigger,” Moll wrote. In Actor-charm and grandfatherly ap- The USSR was on an unstable path to stop subordinates from arranging a is now known as Reaganomics. It’s de- practice, though, Reaganomics result- peal only go so far when weighing the for decades before Reagan came along, complicated arms-for-hostage swap by batable whether this was a good or bad ed in decreased government revenue, truth. Modern Republicans should check contrary to paranoid speculation in circumventing congressional restric- policy, and modern conservatives still and consequently reduction in gov- their fact-sheets when preaching Reagan- America. The Soviets had been deal- tions and selling weapons to Iran in ex- wistfully look back to the glory days of ernment services and budget deficits. style methods of lowered taxes, balanced ing with revolting Eastern bloc satel- change for the release of hostages.” the 1980s, hoping for the ghost of Reagan While inflation decreased fourfold and deficits and reduced government. www.ValenciaVoice.com POLITICALNEWS OPINION Dec. 14, 2011 17 Obama supporters still waiting for ‘change’ Young voters unhappy with current President’s politics

Hillel Dalmat on the rise again. That the thirty years he surely cannot sit in the pocket of one [email protected] of trickling down voodoo economics, voting bloc. Therein lies the problem, deregulation, and erosion of workers' however, as it has become apparent I cast my first ever vote in 2008 for rights was finally coming to an end. to many on the left that he has spent Barack Obama, with the understanding In hindsight I was gravely mistak- the entirety of his presidency thus far that I was voting for a true progressive, en. Obama may have gotten my vote, courting a voting bloc that will never someone who could respond to the fi- but somewhere along the way he failed in a thousand years cast a vote for him. nancial crisis in such a way as to assist to get my message. Liberals are perhaps to blame for in recovering the economy, or, failing I am fully aware that I can not ex- the current state of affairs. After elect- that, to at the very least ease the worry. pect the President of the United States ing Obama, far too many of us decided I felt I was sending a strong mes- to be beholden to me for anything. He now was the time to rest on our laurels sage that liberalism in America was represents every single American and and appreciate ourselves for what we had accomplished. Instead of demand- ing that the new Democratic majority govern in our name, we silently waited President Barack Obama delivers remarks before signing legislation into law that will provide with bated breath for the "change." tax credits to help put veterans back to work at a ceremony in the Einsenhower building Nov. 21. At the same time, a new angry mi- nority rose their collective voice and have only fallen from the high of 10.1 per- teachers while simultaneously gutting with it bent the debate sharply right- cent in 2009 to nine percent today. the unions and handing billions in tax ward. The squeaky wheel gets the Nobel-prize winning economist Paul cuts to the rich will miraculously en- grease, and in this case the wheel that Krugman has repeatedly called the stim- courage economic growth. squeaked did so at a legendary volume. ulus bill inadequate. In woulda-coulda- There is little, if any, evidence that Obama had no choice but to acqui- shoulda land, Obama would have taken businesses are not hiring due to over- esce, but did he have to surrender so the opportunity to invest massively in taxation or onerous regulation. Accord- completely? Did he have to spend his American infrastructure. Our roads and ing to polling by Mclatchy Newspa- political capital on losing battles while bridges crumble, our public transit sys- pers of business owners, taxes (which ignoring the most important issue fac- tem is a joke, and according to the New are at record lows) and regulation were ing us—the economy? York Times, 66 percent of all electricity hardly mentioned. With a super-majority in the Senate, produced is lost as waste. The real problem? Demand. Obama had ample opportunity to pass Some might argue that with such a Until we recognize that and insti- sound economic policies to create jobs. deficit we cannot afford to tackle prob- tute polices that give ordinary people Instead he fought and lost on health care. lems like these. That is indicative of purchasing-power we will never stabi- Anything short of a single-payer system the red herring that both parties have lize this economy. is failure. The oft-lampooned Stimulus fallen for. The argument is that cutting That Obama has failed to counter the package was a nice start. It was only a spending by firing government work- "taxes-and-deficits-are-killing-business" start, however, as according to the Bureau ers will lower unemployment, and that narrative with a defense of demand eco- President Obama meeting and greeting his supporters as a presidential nominee in Sept. 2008. of Labor Statistics, unemployment rates allowing states to lay off thousands of nomics is a failure can not forgive. www.ValenciaVoice.com POLITICALNEWS OPINION Dec. 14, 2011 18 Obama’s good intentions best thing for Americans

to reach out to the ideologically oppo- Why we should site right, showing them that he was willing to compromise. re-elect Barack The GOP has shown no move to- ward returning the favor. Congress Fred Lambert continues to stonewall any attempts to [email protected] pass legislation which may create jobs for Americans, who wind up getting Barrack Obama is a victim of cir- the rawest deal at the end of the day. cumstance, but is he a bad president? Another major argument coming It’s hard to say. History needs a from the right is that regulations and window of time to provide retrospect. taxes are the cause of America’s woes. Obama has been what some would call Obama’s policies didn’t cause this ideal – an intelligent, well-spoken and mess. It was unscrupulous business pragmatic leader. practices in the loaning market (like His foreign policy has been spot on. sub-prime mortgage lending) that in- Republicans like John McCain scoffed duced much of the economic mayhem. at the Illinois Senator’s lack of military Why would completely deregulat- experience in the 2008 election, sug- ing business pull America out of a re- gesting that being a Navy Pilot gave cession if the free hand of the market McCain the same expertise as an Army caused this to happen? General. Bush Jr. had military experi- None of this is to say that Obama is ence in the Texas Air National Guard, perfect; he isn’t, and neither are all of his and his foreign policy was atrocious. moves. But what president is flawless? Rather than deploy entire armies All you can hope for is a responsi- into Middle Eastern countries to chase ble emergency-control expert who has elusive, small terrorist groups, Obama President Barack Obama, seen here in Ohio in September, campaigned around the nation to gain support for his American Jobs Act Bill. the interest of the people in mind. Ev- shifted to a policy of lighter, elite units erything Obama has done has been in for combating terrorism. He upped Politically, that took balls of steel. is counterproductive to engaging in The main thing that Obama is hit pursuit of the greater good.One of the drone strikes on the Afghan-Pakistan Foreign relations have also im- partnerships and alliances. on is the economy, though. One of the major things that he is criminalized for border, and was able to kill more top proved under Obama, despite what Republicans also scrutinized major points his opponents refer to are is his health care reform – something Al Qaeda leaders during his first years many on the right may insinuate. Lots Obama for taking a lesser role in “Obama’s Bailouts,” when in actuality, designed to help people. in office than Bush did in eight. of GOP supporters suggest that Obama NATO efforts to support Libyan reb- Bush began the bailouts, and Obama So as the 2012 election creeps around Let’s not forget about the special- makes America look weak with his els. This seemed to support claims of just continued them. the bend, Americans should ask them- forces raid which snuffed out Osama multilateral approach and apologetic his meek stance in world leadership. Another policy Obama contin- selves if Obama is the harmful leader Bin Laden in Pakistan – something the attitude about US aggression. Instead, Western European NATO ued is the Bush-era tax cuts for the he’s fabled to be, or if he’s a man do- previous administration was unable to Why would US citizens think that members finally pulled their weight, wealthy. This hurt him in his own par- ing everything he can after inheriting accomplish. Obama had intelligence insulting and threatening the rest of and Gaddafi was dead in the streets ty, with many Democrats condemn- an extremely difficult situation. Even suggesting that Bin Laden was in the the world is in our best interest? The within months. All of this without the ing the move as a renege of previous more than that, they should ask them- Abbottabod compound, not verified United States is not the only country on supposedly necessary might of the US promises. But the political reality sug- selves if piss-and-wind demagogues proof – and he still ordered the raid. this earth, and going a unilateral route military in the driver’s seat. gested that Obama was merely trying have a plan, or just a lot of criticism. www.ValenciaVoice.com POLITICALNEWS OPINION Dec. 14, 2011 19 Jeff hates: The Republican primaries

By Jeff Shedden just accepted policy. with him, but he’s somehow come [email protected] Somehow we’ve ended up with a back from the dead. bunch of people running for the highest Gingrich is corrupt and vile in Let’s face it, this election season’s office who would probably benefit more every way that would matter to the Republican primary is the biggest from a shot of Thorazine and a comfy bulk of the American population. freak show the GOP has ever handed chair placed in front of a TV showing re- But he’s also smart, sly, and pretty us. There isn’t a single candidate in runs of “Designing Women.” much the only candidate who could the entire bunch that would make a The GOP has already had one can- hold his own against Obama in a de- good president of a chess club, much didate self-destruct. Herman Cain bate. Luckily, he’s also got so many less the United States. was a token attempt at showing that skeletons in his closet that keep him The Republican party has spent so insanity is color-blind. Too bad he completely unelectable, because oth- much time trying to gather the votes liked touching boobies that he wasn’t erwise we might have to change our of fringe lunatics and morally corrupt married to a little too much. It’s no nation’s motto to “Hide your kids, bigots, that a lot of this insanity is now big deal that he dropped out, though, hide your wife.” because he didn’t have a chance in This season’s deck is stacked pretty hell of winning. high with the hyper-religious nutball Cain was CEO of Godfather’s Piz- candidates too. Easily the most forget- za, which was one of the largest chains table of this lot is Rick Santorum. of pizza restaurants in the world in the Santorum once waged a one man Michele Bachman waving a dollar bill. Not pictured, the starving orphan she’s teasing with the bill. late 1970s and 80s. Domino’s deliv- war on the First Amendment trying to ered, Pizza Hut had great food; God- get creationism as a mandatory subject who always shows the entire irises of otaged his campaign with a homo- father’s had game rooms. in schools and make homosexuality il- their eyes. This is usually either a sign phobic rant coupled with a factu- Godfather’s pizza was pretty good, legal. His views were so repugnant, that they’re schizophrenic, or they’re a ally incorrect callback to FOX News’ plus you could play a few rounds of that a strong effort was made to rede- high school typing teacher. nonexistent wars on Christmas and Donkey Kong while waiting for your fine “santorum” as a disgusting sub- I always thought Bachmann was Christianity in general. pie. Then Herman Cain was brought stance much like a politician. You’ll the worst of the bunch, but then Rick He claimed that kids aren’t al- on as CEO. Dominos still delivers and have to google it yourself, though, as Perry threw his too-tight cowboy hat lowed to pray in school or even cel- Pizza Hut still has more or less great it is too gross to publish here. into the ring. ebrate Christmas. Loads of kids pray food, but Godfather’s is a brand you Then there’s Michele Bachmann, a Perry’s the poster boy for every- in school, especially before tests, but can now only buy in gas stations. woman who saw Sarah Palin and said, thing that’s wrong with our politi- schools aren’t allowed to MAKE stu- Newt Gingrich is another un- “I can be crazier than that!” cians. He used to be a Democrat until dents pray. And kids celebrate Christ- abashed womanizer. He’s had so Bachmann thinks the U.S.A. should he started losing, so he changed all of mas in school so much, that by the many affairs that he could be a one be a Christian dictatorship, a system his views, switched parties and rode first of December, they may as well man Democratic National Conven- called Dominionism. the Republican train to Psychoville. be taught by Santa. tion. He was even pushing for Clin- She confuses actors for serial kill- Perry is completely incapable of The end result is Perry now holds ton’s impeachment over the Monica ers, thinks Abraham Lincoln was a foresight and merely parrots things the record for the most disliked video Lewinsky scandal while having an Founding Father, and would lose that he thinks will win him voters. on Youtube, and the internet is awash affair himself. against a fifth grader in a quiz on civ- He’s basically what George W. Bush with Photoshopped pictures of him After being basically forced to re- ics and The Constitution. would have been without Karl Rove in drag. Herman Cain bowed out of the race with a sign from Congress by his fellow Re- Her crazy eyes even make her un- and Dick Cheney handling him. Ron Paul is still holding on, mostly smile on his face and Papa John’s on his breath. publicans, we thought we were done nerving to look at. Never trust anyone It looks like Perry may have sab- as a comedy option. He’ll start off with www.ValenciaVoice.com POLITICALNEWS OPINION Dec. 14, 2011 20 Jeff hates: It’s the end of the world as we know it Candidates The Mayan calendar, presidential election both mysteriously end in 2012 Continued from page 19 By Rob Iversen tion. Capitalizing on some of that down-home Tex- that she herself was not a Maya, a scientist, or a perfectly reasonable, Eisenhower-esque Re- [email protected] as wisdom, he artfully played with the base before dog, she did remind us that she is still crazy. publican views, and then take a detour into working his way up the polls. Things got harder Of the remaining soon-to-be-also-rans in the Fox alien conspiracies, New World Orders, and It’s the end of the world as we know it… and and harder for Perry as he moved towards the top, News anchor auditions, half claimed that they be- reverting to the gold standard.Paul doesn’t I feel fine. So said REM (the “it” letter band back as a couple of poor debate performances proved he lieved the end of the world was coming, but that it was have a chance at winning the primary, but when LMFAO was still just AOL chat room slang), didn’t have the oral skills for a happy finish. more likely to be in the form of the angry hand of God he’d be a Democratic kingmaker if he ran as and so say the 2012 GOP candidates for President. Looking to rebound from this early softening, smiting the poor, the gays, and Barack Obama, than a third party. The only reason he’s even run- The Maya calendar mysteriously ends on Dec. Perry recently unveiled his three-part plan for sav- any of that Maya math and science mumbo jumbo. ning now is all the encouragement he got 21, 2012, leading many to believe that the world ing the world. “First, we’re gonna… well, then The other half looked vacant and bewildered, from the wacky “OMG so random” hipster will end right along with it. Some believe solar we’re gonna… well, but what it really comes down so much so that our pollsters declined to even pose support he got four years ago. flares will reverse the polarity of the Earth, and to is that we do something, right? I mean, c’mon the question to them. John Huntsman is also running. some believe that the aliens who “seeded” this brother, 2012 world end sure seems bad for to me!” Of all the candidates, only one seemed to be of- Finally there’s Mitt Romney. He’s a likeable planet thousands of years ago will come to col- For to us, too, Rick… for to us, too. fering a solution to the problem. Rick Santorum is enough guy, but the GOP is such a cesspool lect their harvest. According to Barack Obama, the Michelle Bachmann, after answering the ques- apparently developing a proprietary concoction that you can’t be a candidate without compro- world will only end if he is not re-elected. tion, “Who are you again?” had much to say on the that he will use to nurture and protect himself dur- mising your own ideas. He supported health The Republicans aren’t buying any of it. Even end of the world. ing the end times. According to rumors, the full care reform until it became a Democratic plat- though the world may end a few short weeks after Bachmann referred to a story she had apparently recipe can be found by Googling “Santorum.” form. Now he’s willing to throw all of those election night, the fight for the Republican presiden- heard the night before from a friend of a guy who Only time will tell if the Maya predictions are people whose lives he actually saved under tial nomination continues to be fierce. Do they doubt had once owned a dog that had once been petted by math or myth, but one thing is clear: if any of these the bus, simply to win the support of a bunch those ancient Mathletes, or are they simply relishing a woman who swears the Maya rumors are false. candidates reach the highest office in the land, we of morally questionable voters. the inevitable end to those pesky entitlement pro- Although Bachmann was quick to point out may all be rooting for the Maya just a little bit more. He used to support some more-or-less grams and the even peskier people who are entitled progressive economic ideas until the GOP’s to them? Maybe they’re just hoping they’ll inherit the official stance became anything that incon- keys to the bunker where they built the Cheney 5000. veniences a rich person is pure Marxism. In an effort to gain some perspective on this issue, My opinion is that the GOP isn’t really in- we reached out to the Republican candidates. Herman terested in beating Obama in 2012. Otherwise Cain, the current anybody-but-Romney front-runner they’d have to start taking responsibility for and most hands-on (former staff) candidate in the all of the damage they’ve done since 2009. fray, cannot recall if he had flirted with the doomsday They’ve got a free ride, and the only thing notion in his past but settled—er, agreed—on a stance they need to worry about is holding onto the of stockpiling apples and oranges, just in case. House, which won’t be difficult. It’s obvious “I’ll admit,” said Cain, “12/21/12 is catchy, but Romney will get the nomination, because I still believe in 9-9-9…because someone has to.” he’s the least interesting of the candidates. Cain has been falling in the polls recently, after it And in modern America, the election was revealed that he has more in common with process has gotten so screwed up, that peo- Clarence Thomas than just that sexy ‘stache. ple are more likely to vote for Snooki than a This one time, at band camp, Texas governor legitimate candidate. Rick Perry seemed like a shoo-in for the nomina- Ron Paul, Rick Perry, Mitt Romney, Herman Cain, and Newt Gingrich covering their hearts in effort to ward off the vampire hunters. www.ValenciaVoice.com OPINION Dec. 14, 2011 21 What should Valencia do with the Aspen Prize money? Photos by Sebastian Arbelaez/Interviews by Neda Hamdan

“I think we should use the money “The money should go to “Valencia should use the “We should make basketball “The money should be used to expand the parking lot because scholarships and financial aid award money to start sports courts to play, and it the rest to put printers into each class- there’s always a long line,” to help students,” teams, because I think people should go to the scholarships to room, because we’re only al- — Kirk Delio — Jasmine Mendoza would be more interested in give it to people who deserve it,” lowed to print ten pages at a coming to the school,” — Kyle Wright time before charging us,” — Felipe Guzman — Amelia Mataela

“They should pay for out text- “It should be directed towards “They should make books cheap- “We already have a childcare “Valencia should create a gym books for us instead of charg- scholarships and create a er, especially the culinary text- program, but I think they thats free and available for all ing us, and give students more healthcare program,” books, or make the answer center should create a center where we students,” benefits,” — Rebecca Gordon bigger and more accesible,” can drop off out children while — Patrick Lespinasse — Catelyn Smithmyer — Nick Hatfield we’re in our classes,” — Shardeh Barry www.ValenciaVoice.com OPINION Dec. 14, 2011 22

OUR VOICE Fall 2011 Staff

Editor-in-chief Shay Castle Christopher Correa-Ortega Managing Editors Bryan Levine Jonathan Daniels Well-earned honor given to Valencia Jeff Shedden Jennifer DiDomenico Mary Stevens Brittany Gil Congrats to Valencia for nabbing the LifeMap, Direct Connect to UCF, and the Talking politics James Tutten Juan Gutierrez honor as top community college in the na- Bridges program, help ensure student suc- We have a special section designated Photo Editor Sebastian Arbelaez Neda Hamdan tion at the inagural Aspen Institute Awards cess at 40 percent less than state universities. to the GOP candidates for president (see Fred Lambert Web Editor Brittany Rose for Community College Excellence. We may not have a nationally ranked pages 7-20.) The pages are intended to in- Lawrence Laguna It’s nice to be recognized for what the stu- sports team, but there is no better reason form students about the candidates; their Events Editor Felicia Roopchand Hadassah Lansiquot dents, faculty, and community of Valencia to have school pride than knowing you are backgrounds, accomplishments, and Ad Director Jeremy Williams have known for years; Valencia is the best. part of an institution that is such a positive views on issues. Manny Marquez The college is the number one pro- force in the community and the country. Democracy is a great gift, and we Chief Designer Marianella Zapata Noriega Joseph Morrison ducer of associate degrees in the country. should be the generation to gain back an Minority graduation rates are among the ‘Tis the season appreciation of the voting process and highest in the nation, and employment for Classes resume in a little under a sense of responsiblity and civic duty. Member, Associated Collegiate Press graduates is superb. month, so now would be a good time to As activist Abbie Hoffman once said, The opinions expressed are those of the Valencia Voice, its staff members and contributors, The recognition comes with $600,000 fill your spare hours with good works. “Democracy is not something you be- and are not necessarily those of Valencia College, its staff, faculty, or student body. in grant money, which will go a long way There are many charities and even lieve in or a place to hang your hat, but All content obtained from MCT Campus is paid for by the Valencia Voice. in providing student services. more needs. See a list of good local causes it’s something you do. You participate. If Valencia’s many innovations, such as on Page 3. you stop doing it, democracy crumbles.” Page 1: Top, Sebastian Arbelaez / Valencia Voice; Courtesy of Valencia News Page 2: Akira Suwa, Philadelphia Inquirer / MCT Page 3: Sebastian Arbelaez / Valencia Voice Page 4: Clockwise from L, Mohannad Sabry / MCT; Gina Ferazzi, Los Angeles Times / MCT; Carolyn Cole, Los Angeles Times / MCT; Pete Souza, The White House / MCT Page 5: Clockwise from L, Red Huber, Orlando Sentinel / MCT; Al Seib, Los Angeles Times of / MCT; Joe Burbank, Orlando Sentinel / MCT; Rick Loomis, Los Angeles Times / MCT Tweet Pages 7-8: Courtesy of candidates Page 9: Oliver Douliery, Abaca Press / MCT; Christopher Gannon / MCT Pages 10-13: Oliver Douliery, Abaca Press / MCT the Page 14: Dan Honda, Contra Costa Times / MCT Week Page 15: L-R, National Archives / MCT; Ronald Reagan Library, National Archives / MCT Page 16: Architect of the Capitol, Library of Congress / MCT Page 17: L-R, Joe Burbank, Orlando Sentinel / MCT; Olivier Douliery, Abaca Press / MCT “This holiday season, Page 18: Mark Cornelison, Lexington Herald-Leader / MCT let’s remember those Page 19: Jason Getz, Atlanta Journal-Constitution / MCT Page 20: Oliver Douliery, Abaca Press / MCT who lack the skills or Page 23: Brittany Gil/ Valencia Voice Page 24: Top L-R: Courtesy of 20th Century Fox; Courtesy of Columbia Pictures; Courtesy education to do anything of 20th Century Fox; Courtesy of Paramount Pictures; Courtesy of Lakshore Entertainment. Bottom L-R: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures; Courtesy of Paramount Pictures; Courtesy of but run for President.” Touchstone Pictures; Courtesy of Universal Pictures;Courtesy of 20th Century Fox. Page 25: Courtesy of record labels — @BorwitzReport Page 27: L-R, Bryan Levine / Valencia Voice; Courtesy of Adam Trumbly Page 28: Sebastian Arbelaez / Valencia Voice Andy Borowitz Page 29: Rick Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / MCT www.ValenciaVoice.com FEATURES Dec. 14, 2011 23 Valencia’s talent showcased Semester’s variety show, ‘Freak Flag’ embraces uniqueness

By Felicia Roopchand The most powerful performance of the musical [email protected] theatre portion comes from Paul Hambidge, who sang “I’ll Cover You (Reprise)” as the character, Valencia College presented it’s Opera Theatre Collins, from the musical “RENT”. Workshop on Dec. 9 and 10 at Valencia’s East Cam- “It was so powerful,” said Smith. This is Ham- pus Black Box Theater. The event, which has been bidge’s third semester in the Opera Theatre Workshop. Bachelor’s done every semester for the past ten semesters, The other portion of the event was the opera showcased various talents of the musical theatre “Dido and Aeneas” by Henry Purcell. The heart- and opera genres. This semester’s theme and title breaking story was directed by Alan Gerber, part and associate of the event was “Freak Flag.” of the Music Department at Valencia. “I’m a fan of “[Freak flag] is about embodying the thing that Baroque opera,” Gerber said. makes you different,” said John Clayton, the director Dido, the main character, was played by guest degrees of the musical theatre portion of the show and Valen- artist and Valencia faculty member, Cheryse cia alumnus. “We have a lot of talent here at Valencia.” McLeod Lewis. She is a classically-trained singer The musical theatre portion of the show fea- and has performed professionally across the Unit- on campus and tured various numbers from different musicals ed States. “It was so wonderful to have her do that such as “A Very Potter Musical,” “Dreamgirls,” “La for us,” Gerber said. online Cage Aux Folles,” “Legally Blonde,” “Memphis,” The night showcased much of Valencia’s talent “Company,” “RENT,” and “Shrek: The Musical.” ranging from theatre to opera and even the tech !Technology !Design “We worked really hard this week,” said per- crew. “We’re lucky to have the tech classes and light former Jordan Smith who played Albin, a gay man classes collaborate with us,” Gerber said. !Business !Public Safety who has to try to pretend to be straight during the The Opera Theatre Workshop is a fantastic op- !Healthcare !Nursing performance of “Masculinity” from the musical “La portunity for Valencia to showcase some of it’s Cage Aux Folles.” This is Smith’s second semester brightest stars. If you missed this semester’s shows, in the Opera Theatre Workshop. have no fear, there will be more to come. '()*+(,-(./(0*+12+!*345.0+".5-*365/786+!"##$%"#&'($#)*+,*-./+/1+ 6**+91:+71;3+!"#$%&'"+<3*,5/6+<(.+/3(.62*3+6*(=>*66>7+5./1++ (+!*345.0+".5-*365/7+?3103(=@

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888-NEW CAREER (888-639-2273) Herzing.edu/valencia A13+!*345.0+".5-*365/7+6/;,*./+,(/(+01+/1B+5.21C9*345.0C*,;C

The cast of ‘Freak Flag’ performing La Vie Boheme from the musical RENT, Friday night at Valencia’s East Campus. !"#$$%%%#&$&& www.ValenciaVoice.com FEATURES Dec. 14, 2011 24

Dec. 16 Dec. 21 Dec. 23/25 Jan. 6/13 Jan. 20

‘Chipwrecked’ ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ ‘We Bought a Zoo’ ‘The Devil Inside’ ‘Underworld Awakening’

Director: Mike Mitchell Director: David Fincher Director: Cameron Crowe Director: William Brent Bell Director: Mans Marling, Bjorn Stein Starring: Jason Lee, David Cross, Jenny Starring: Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Matt Damon, Starring: Fenanda Andrede, Simon Starring: Kate Beckinsale, Charles Slate, Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler Christopher Plummer, Stellan Skarsgard Elle Fanning, Carla Gallo Quarterman, Evan Helmuth Dance, Michael Ealy, India Eisley Rated: G Rated: R Rated: PG Rated: N/A Rated: R Running time: 1 hour 27 minutes Running time: 2 hour 38 minutes Running time: 2 hour 4 minutes Running time: N/A Running time: N/A Genre: Comedy, Romance Genre: Drama, Thriller Genre: Comedy, Drama, Family Genre: Horror, Thriller Genre: Action, Fantasy, Horror

‘A Game of Shadows’ ‘The Adventures of Tintin’ ‘War Horse’ ‘Contraband’ ‘Red Tails’

Director: Guy Ritchie Director: Steven Spielberg Director: Steven Spielberg Director: Baltasar Kormakur Director: Anthony Hemingway Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Starring: Daniel Craig, Jamie Bell, Simon Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Starring: Kate Beckinsale, Mark Wahlberg, Starring: Bryan Cranston, Josh Dallas, Noomi Rapace, Rachel McAdams Pegg, Andy Serkis, Cary Elwes Hiddleston, Emily Watson, David Thewlis Ben Foster, Giovanni Ribisi, Diego Luna Daniela Ruah, Cuba Gooding Jr. Rated: PG-13 Rated: PG Rated: PG-13 Rated: R Rated: PG-13 Running time: 2 hour 9 minutes Running time: 107 minutes Running time: 2 hour 26 minutes Running time: 1 hour 50 minutes Running time: N/A Genre: Action, Adventure, Crime Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure Genre: Drana, War Genre: Crime, Thriller Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama www.ValenciaVoice.com FEATURES Dec. 14, 2011 25 Top 20 Songs of 2011

1 - We Found Love 5 - Good Feeling 9 - The One That Got Away 13 - Headlines 17 - Pumped Up Kicks by Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris by Flo Rida by Katy Perry by Drake by Foster The People

2 ­- Sexy and I Know It 6 - Someone Like You 10 - Stereo Hearts 14 - Work Out 18 - Mr. Know It All by LMFAO by Adele by Gym Class Heroes ft. Adam Levine by J. Cole by Kelly Clarkson

3 - It Will Rain 7 - Without You 11 - 5 O’Clock 15 - You Make Me Feel... 19 - You Da One by Bruno Mars by David Guette ft. Usher by T-Pain ft. Wiz Khalifa & Lily Allen by Cobra Starship ft. Sabi by Rihanna

4 - Moves Like Jagger 8 - Ni**as in Paris 12 - Party Rock Anthem 16 - Dance 20 - Give Me Everything by Maroon 5 ft. Christina Aguilera by Jay Z & Kanye West by LMFAO ft. Lauren Bennett & GoonRock by Big Sean ft Nicki Minaj by Pitbull ft. Ne-Yo, Afrojack & Nayer

* Order based on information provided by Billboard www.ValenciaVoice.com FEATURES Dec. 14, 2011 26

Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Stress Relief Fat Gold Chain Chronicles DEFY, The Nutcracker Orlando aLive: Blood on the Dance Floor The Roast of Santa Claus East Campus The Social The Danny Harf Project Bob Carr Performing Arts A Live Music & Art Sport JJ Demon The Social 9 A.M. 9 P.M. The Beacham Centre The Social The Social 6 P.M. 7 P.M. 11 A.M. 8 P.M. 7 P.M. The Chariot The Social 6 P.M. Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Matt Mackelcan Hor!Zen Holidaze Party Orlando Magic vs. Houston There For Tomorrow Owen McRaney’s Tavern The Social CHRISTMAS EVE CHRISTMAS DAY Rockets The Social The Social 8 P.M. 9 A.M. Amway Center 6 P.M. 8 P.M. 7 P.M.

Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 The Supervillans FX Orlando presents NEW YEARS EVE NEW YEARS DAY Capital One Bowl Winter in the Park Orlando Magic vs. The Beacham TEEN NEW YEAR 2012 Slightly Stoopid & B.B. King Florida Citrus Bowl Central Park, Winter Park Washington Wizards 8 P.M. House of Blues The Expendables Hard Rock Live 1 P.M. 3 P.M. Amway Center 8 P.M. Hard Rock Live 8 P.M. 7 P.M. Line Dance Lessons Knotty Knitters Club 8:30 P.M. University Club Winter Park Public Library Exclusive 102 Jamz 7 P.M. 6 P.M. NYE 2011 The Beacham 9 P.M.

Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 A Few of Our Favorite Midsummers Fire TWLOHA Sweet Bird of Youth Ballroom Dancing Lessons The Serious Art of Writing Workshop Things: The Social Heavy and Light: Lowndes Shakespeare Center University Club Make-Believe Winter Park Public Library Pop Culture Art 8 P.M. An Evening of Songs, 7 P.M. 7 P.M. Orange Country Regional 7 P.M. & Conversation & Hope History Center Sneaker Show House of Blues Orlando Rocks! 10 A.M. CityArts Factory 6:30 PM. House of Blues 6 P.M. 8 P.M.

VALENCIA CONCERTS ON GOING COMMUNITY SPORTS www.ValenciaVoice.com SPORTS Dec. 14, 2011 27 UCF pulls off late-game victory on Sykes’ last second free throws Knights win their 15th consecutive non-conference home game

By Bethany Schuster Sykes led the Knights throughout the game bringing them [email protected] more than just their sixth win, but also their 15th-straight non- conference home victory. University of Central Florida’s Isaiah Sykes successfully land- The Detroit native has been improving rapidly throughout the ed two free throws with three and half seconds left in the game, to season. Last week he achieved the first double-double of his ca- give the Knights a two point lead, and eventually the win. reer, against Hartford, and finished against B-CU with 15 points. With a final score of 53-51, Bethune-Cookman University More than the points, he also made seven of his nine free throws; (3-6) walked away Saturday from the UCF Arena only seconds “I wasn’t nervous at all” said Sykes. away from a win. This is an impressive improvement for Sykes who shoots just 45 percent from the free throw line. “Sykes took 100 free throws before the game,” said Head Coach Donnie Jones. “I was really excited to see him with the free throws.” Jones wasn’t the only one excited to watch Sykes play. As the Knights, who trailed most of the game, tightened up the score late in the game, the crowd of Knights became an unhindered wave of cheers and chants, which was what the players needed, according to PJ Gaynor. Gaynor admits the crowd’s energy fuels his personal energy and Gaynor is an “energy guy” according to Jones. Jones said, “We needed PJ. We needed his energy to help us from a block to a dunk.” Dunk he did, Gaynor had two slam dunks that only garnered more energy from the crowd. Senior Keith Clanton led the first half taking and making the majority of the free throws. He finished leading with 10 rebounds, five in the first and five in the second. The win did not come without a fight, “The first half we came out and were a little careless with the ball; we turned it over 13 times trying to get the flow,” said Jones. At half time, the score stood at 28-22, B-CU. The Wildcats came out with a prepared offense and defense and dominated the majority of the half. “You have to make every opportunity you have the ball count,” said Jones. “We were either going to get blown out or get back in the game.” Jones gave B-CU credit on their well executed game plan, but was pleased to watch his players “stay focused and grind it out.” Above: P.J. Gaynor dunks the ball in the second half, after an Isaiah Sykes steal in the defensive backcourt. The Knights will host North Carolina A&T (4-4) Tuesday at 7:00 Left: Keither Clanton drives towards the net in the second half against B-CU. Clanton finished p.m. in an attempt to win their seventh game. the game with a double-double, and helped the Knights to a 53-51 victory, their sixth of the season. www.ValenciaVoice.com SPORTS Dec. 14, 2011 28 June XX, 2011 UCF gets stomped by FGCU Lady Knights’ 29 turnovers lead to 75-36 loss against Eagles

By Sarah Flores extend to a five-game winning streak. more forward/center Erika Jones [email protected] “Our effort in terms of taking care gained four points from a foul in the of the ball and making decisions was last 30 seconds of play to bring UCF A leading 11 points from returning poor, we knew that they were a very up only eight behind FGCU. Jones also UCF senior guard Aisha Patrick and good team, they carried out their helped UCF with a total of seven points a close 10 points from junior forward game plan and we didn’t carry out and six rebounds for the night. Kayli Keough could not stop the Flori- ours defensively or in terms of taking It was in the second half where the Ea- da Gulf Coast Eagles from a 75-36 vic- care of the ball,” said UCF head coach gles dominated, shooting 19 of 35 from the tory over the Knights at the UCF Arena Joi Williams. field. Sophomore Sarah Hansen finished on Thursday night. “The biggest story was the turn- with her third double-double of the sea- The lady Knights faced off against overs. It’s really disappointing that son, with a game-high 20 points and ten the Eagles for the first time in three years we give the ball away so many more rebounds. A combined effort from Han- looking for their first win in the series, times. Between 29 turnovers you sen and senior Eglah Griffin produced six but 29 turnovers from the Knights and give the other team 29 more oppor- three-pointers for the night, with eight of 10 of 32 three-pointers from the field tunities to score.” 16 from the field in the second half. (50 percent in the second half) from the The end of the first half seemed The Knight’s leading senior, Aisha Eagles, allowed Florida Gulf Coast to promising for the Knights as sopho- Patrick, returned for her first game back from missing three games due to a death in the family and said she was rusty. “It was bad on my part, and I’m going to come back and practice and do what it takes, execute the coaches’ game plan and come back stronger next game.” Williams agreed with Patrick and said that her conditioning was poor. “Tired or not, fatigued or not, she has to be able to take care of the ball,” said Williams. “I think that’s where the root of our problem is and we better find a solution pretty quickly or it will be a long year.” The Knights had been off for six days before Thursday night’s match ,with a loss to FIU (61-46) on Dec. 2, marking their first home loss against a Florida team since 2009 against the Florida State Seminoles. The Knights will go on to play the Savannah State Tigers on Sun- The UCF Knights couldn’t get into a rhythm all night, as they fell to the FGCU Eagles 75-36. day, Dec. 11 at the UCF Arena. www.ValenciaVoice.com SPORTS Dec. 14, 2011 29

Voice staff Fantasy Update predictions Packers still undefeated Start Members of ‘72 Dolphins not worried just yet Arian Foster (RB) - HOU There’s never really a week where you By Linda Robertson to Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis. but if somebody breaks it we will call wouldn’t start Foster, but this week ex- Bryan Mary McClatchy Newspapers “I think their chances are very and congratulate them.” pect him to go off. The Panthers defense good,” former Dolphins running back The Dolphins’ goal in 1972 was not has given up the most fantasy points to Levine Stevens Week The champagne is not on ice. Dick Larry Csonka said. “But each game to go undefeated. It was to redeem running backs in the entire NFL. 15 142-66 135-73 Anderson, Nick Buoniconti and their that 800-pound gorilla gains another 50 themselves in Super Bowl VII after los- Roddy White (WR) - ATL Thursday Night 1972 Miami Dolphins teammates are pounds. They’re being forced to pay at- ing 24-3 to Dallas in Super Bowl VI. JAC @ ATL not itching to pop the cork. None of tention to the undefeated record more Former Dolphins quarterback Bob White has been one of the more consis- tent WRs this season. Look for Matt Ryan Saturday Night them owns an Aaron Rodgers voo- than they want to. At the end of the sea- Griese said the Packers need the same to find White plenty as they go up against DAL @ TB doo doll. And they do not plan to be son, everyone is fighting for his life and tunnel vision the Dolphins had, even if perched, vulture-like, in front of the TV for his job and things can turn on you.” their motivation is different as defend- the Jaguars this week. CIN @ STL on Sunday, waiting to see if the Green The 1972 Dolphins, many of whom ing Super Bowl champs. Bay Packers’ winning streak dies. reunited last week to commemorate “I don’t think perfection is in the Sit WAS @ NYG Their place in history is secure. the late Jim Mandich, are keeping their forefront of your mind when you’re in Cam Newton (QB) - CAR They were the first and so far only team eyes on the Packers. the 12th, 13th, 14th game,” he said. “We The rookie struggled last week against in 90 years of pro football to complete “I’m not sitting here like an angry just didn’t want to lose. The fear of los- TEN @ IND the Falcons, and he has to face the tough a perfect season when they went 17-0 old guy hoping they’ll lose as we have ing is stronger than the will to win. It Texans this week. If you have other op- and beat the Washington Redskins for been depicted,” said Shula, 81. “I don’t was never, ‘Let’s keep the streak going.’ SEA @ CHI tions, it might be smart to go with them. the Super Bowl title. think Joe DiMaggio was pulling for It was, ‘We’ve got unfinished business. GB @ KC The 13-0 Packers have a chance at anybody to break his 56-game hitting We’ve got to get back to the Super Bowl.’ Alex Smith (QB) - SF matching that perfection. But they’ve streak record. So we’d like to keep it, — MCT Campus The 49ers have been solid this season, got to win six more games to do it. CAR @ HOU but they go up against a tough AFC op- If they don’t, the Dolphins will con- ponent this week in Pittsburgh. Expect tinue their tradition of toasting another their defense to effectively shut down MIA @ BUF year of being unique. the 49ers offense. Don Shula, the Hall of Fame coach NO @ MIN who led the iconic Dolphins, said the Sleepers Packers can go 19-0 if prolific quarter- back Rodgers peaks during the playoffs. DET @ OAK Roy Helu (RB) - WAS “They got pushed to the limit by Helu goes up against the Giants this week, the Giants last week and figured out a who’s defense has been terrible as of late. CLE @ ARI way to win,” Shula said. “If they keep Plus, Helu has rushed for over 100 yards in playing at this level, I don’t see any- each of the last three weeks. NE @ DEN body knocking them off.” The Packers have won 18 in a row NYJ @ PHI dating to last season, when they were Matt Moore (QB) - MIA Super Bowl champions. They play Oak- Matt Moore - Terrible real life quarter- land on Sunday, then at Kansas City, back, decent fantasy QB. He goes up BAL @ SD against Chicago and against Detroit. Af- against the Bills this week, plus the Dol- phins have been pretty hot as of late. Monday Night ter a likely first-round bye, they’d have Ryan Grant high steps into the end zone, Sunday, for his first touchdown of the 2011 season. PIT @ SF to win two playoff games before going www.ValenciaVoice.com CLASSIFIEDS Dec. 14, 2011 30

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